Sports
“Best in world” Man Utd star has made Scholes look silly
There’s never a dull moment, nor minute for that matter, at Manchester United, a fact highlighted none more so than in the aftermath of Saturday’s derby triumph.
Following that thumping 2-0 win in Michael Carrick‘s first game back at the helm, there’s been the usual, understandable, euphoria, with supporters no doubt already getting carried away after such a statement performance.
That raft of positivity has been tainted somewhat, however, by the growing divide that has opened up between former and current United stars, with things all coming to a head in recent days.
Pundits and heroes of the past are entitled to their opinions, but have things crossed the pale? Are the respected voices almost actively seeking to pressurise and undermine the current crop, rather than aid them?
After so much talk and criticism in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, there was always going to be a breaking point – it might have been reached with Paul Scholes and Lisandro Martinez this week.
What has been said in the Lisandro Martinez feud
For some, there might be the view that players should simply ignore the noise and concentrate on their football, with criticism to be expected considering United’s ongoing plight.
That said, in an era dominated by Fergie disciples on television, podcasts and on social media, the discussion is constant, ensuring current stars are within their rights to want to have a pop back.
Indeed, ahead of Saturday’s clash, Scholes and Nicky Butt discussed their fears over Martinez being bullied by Erling Haaland, while jokingly suggesting that the Norwegian could even pick up and carry the diminutive centre-back, such is their difference in stature.
|
Martinez vs Man City |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Record |
|
Minutes |
90 |
|
Touches |
36 |
|
Pass accuracy |
86% |
|
Possession lost |
5 |
|
Aerial duels won |
100% |
|
Ground duels won |
100% |
|
Clearances |
8 |
|
Def. contributions |
11 |
|
Dribbled past |
0 |
The 5 foot 10 centre-back, no doubt fuelled by that talk, proceeded to produce a dominant display over his centre-forward counterpart, enjoying the satisfaction of seeing Haaland withdrawn late on following an anonymous performance.
Speaking post-match, Martinez – who reportedly came close to meeting up with Scholes previously over the Englishman’s comments – then fired back, stating:
“Honestly, he can say whatever he wants. I told him already, if he wants to say something to me, he can come to me wherever he wants. To my house, wherever. I don’t care.”
That, unsurprisingly, is not the end of the story, with Scholes replying in response on Instagram, while both he and Butt defended their comments on their podcast.
For all those jibes and jabs, the key point is that Martinez, as the two men were keen to state, had proven them wrong at the weekend. He’s not the only one to have done so in recent times.
Man Utd star has proven Scholes wrong this season
Like any supporter, journalist or pundit, Scholes and figures of United’s past are entitled to their opinion, with those of the Fergie era, in particular, knowing better than most what it takes to succeed at Old Trafford.
That being said, it would be naive of those high-profile names not to acknowledge that their comments and views carry real weight, with a punchy opinion having the ability to add unnecessary scrutiny or pressure onto a new signing, for instance.
In the case of Scholes, the treble-winning genius was seemingly critical of the signing of Senne Lammens over the summer, having stated prior to the Belgian’s debut that he’s “not a top goalkeeper“, considering his lowly price tag.
“You buy this lad from Belgium. What’s he cost, 20 million? I think that tells you everything about him at this point,” said Scholes. “It tells me he’s (Lammens) not a top goalkeeper. As soon as that man (Donnarumma) became available, drive to Paris, go and get him, give him whatever he wants.”
In the former England international’s defence, he was speaking more so on his wish for the club to sign a player like Gigi Donnarumma, who starred for Manchester City on Saturday, although either way, he has still been proven wrong by Lammens since then.
Indeed, after the chaos of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir in recent times, the 23-year-old has brought real calm to the goalkeeping department, following his move from Royal Antwerp.
A late arrival in the summer window, Lammens had to wait until after the September international break for his first appearance, subsequently keeping a clean sheet on debut against Sunderland at Old Trafford.
Just two further clean sheets have followed, including at the weekend, although it is telling that United have lost just two league games with the young ‘keeper in goal, alongside the early FA Cup exit against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Lammens did endure a shaky moment after squandering possession against the Seagulls, although he has largely been unflappable to date, highlighting why he has been tipped to “become the best in the world” in his position by former coach Hayk Milkon, as relayed by journalist Steven Railston.
Yet to make a single error leading to a shot or goal in the Premier League, as per Sofascore, United’s number 31 is looking very much like an elite stopper, ensuring Scholes has been left to eat his words somewhat.
It is still early days, of course, but the relatively unknown prospect has settled in so smoothly to life in Manchester, forming part of what has proven a positive summer of business for INEOS.
The ‘Class of 92’ and the like can say they all want, but the best response for Martinez, Lammens and Carrick’s squad is to simply keep proving them wrong.
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Michael Carrick’s Man United dominated their neighbours to claim bragging rights in the Premier League.
